Next in the presentation series will be some selected passages from the Visuddhimagga book. [The Path of Purification. BPS Pariyatti Editions, Seattle. 1999.]

Vism. p. 191-192:

Mindfulness (sati) is a recollection because it arises again and again; or alternatively, the mindfulness that is proper for a clansman gone forth out of faith, since it occurs only in those instances where it should occur, is recollection (anussati).

The recollection arisen inspired by the Enlightened One is the recollection of the Buddha. This is a term for mindfulness with the Enlightened One's special qualities as its object.

The recollection arisen inspired by the Law is the recollection of the Dhamma. This is a term for mindfulness with the special qualities of the Law's being well proclaimed, etc., as its object.

The recollection arisen inspired by the Community is the recollection of the Sangha. This is a term for mindfulness with the community's special qualities of being entered on the good way, etc., as its object.

The recollection arisen inspired by virtue is the recollection of virtue. This is a term for mindfulness with the special qualities of virtue's untorness, etc., as its object.

The recollection arisen inspired by generosity is the recollection of generosity. This is a term for mindfulness with generosity's special qualities of free generosity, etc., as its object.

The recollection arisen inspired by deities is the recollection of deities. This is a term for mindfulness with the special qualities of one's own faith, etc., as its object with deities standing as witnesses.

The recollection arisen inspired by death is the recollection of death. This is a term for mindfulness with the termination of the life faculty as its object.....The mindfulness arisen inspired by breathing (aanaapaana) is mindfulness of breathing. This is a term for mindfulness that has as its object the sign of in-breaths and out-breaths.

The mindfulness arisen inspired by peace is the recollection of peace. This is a term for mindfulness that has as its object the stilling of all suffering.